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Nativityof the bvm parish

St. Joseph Parish200 Saint Joseph DriveAmherst, OH 44001(440) 988-2848stjosephamherst.com

Nativity of the BVM Parish333 South Lake StreetSouth Amherst, OH 44001(440) 986-7011nativitysouthamherst.com

There’s a saying that “vocations be-get more vocations.” Seminarian Nathan Frankart believes that couldn’t be truer in his family, as he reflects on his par-ent’s faithful example of marriage.

“My family has always loved me to the fullest extent,” Nathan says. “My par-ents have been married for over 30 years and have eight children. I think back to my childhood and what comes to mind is how they have always supported me.”

At his First Communion, Nathan remem-bers feeling an early call to the religious life.

“On the way home, I told my parents that I felt happy in my heart,” Nathan says. “From that moment, I had a real desire to follow that peace and joy. I looked to my faith as not only something I did on Sunday, but something I wanted to experience.”

Nathan continued to attend public school and learn more and more about his faith from his family and his PSR teachers, who encouraged him to be-come an altar server.

“All these things drove me to be a better Catholic,” Nathan says. “I began serving at

St. Joseph in fifth grade, and even though I was terrified at the time, there was something so special about being there with the priest.”

Then, Fr. Michael Denk told Nathan he saw something in him and that he might have a calling to the priesthood.

Inside

August 2018continued on page 2

3 As We Begin a Busy Time of Year, Let Us Concentrate on Our Blessings

4 A Peaceful Place for Prayer: The Serenity Garden at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

6 A Busy Summer for Our Immersion Youth Group

8 Pre-Baptism Program Helping Parents Become their Child’s First Teachers

9 Funeral Luncheon Ministry Sharing God’s LoveDuringaDifficult Time

St. Joseph’s Seminarian Nathan Frankart Answers the

Invitation to the Vocational Journey

Bishop Nelson J. Perez and Nathan Frankart

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St. Joseph’s Seminarian Nathan Frankart continued from front cover

“If you feel that Christ is inviting you into this journey to any vocation — priesthood, married life, consecrated life — share that with

someone. It will not bear fruit in your life if you hold it back in fear.” — Nathan Frankart

In the coming years, Fr. Denk would help Nathan nurture his vo-cation.

“If you feel that Christ is inviting you into this journey to any vocation — priesthood, married life, consecrated life — share that with someone,” Nathan says. “It will not bear fruit in your life if you hold it back in fear.”

Throughout high school, Nathan continued to consider a vo-cation as he started his first job, an assistant in the parish office, and was active in Youth Group. He also began preparing to pursue a degree in corrosion engineering at the University of Akron.

“God came in and interrupted me in such a beautiful way,” Nathan says. “I was in adoration and could feel the voice of Christ speaking to me. He was asking if I would be one of His disciples. I finally was filled with enough strength to respond that I desire to do His will.”

This August, Nathan begins the next stage of his discernment at the Borromeo Seminary. He is most looking forward to joining a fraternity of seminarians.

“These men are discerning just like I am,” Nathan says. “We are all exploring that calling together, and it is incredible to be part of that type of community.”

Nathan would like to thank everyone from St. Joseph and Na-tivity he interacted with other the years through different minis-tries. He would also like to thank all those who have encouraged him since he announced he would be attending Borromeo.

“I can’t thank you enough because you have created a group of parishes that I will always call home,” Nathan says. “Some of my happiest moments have been here, and I will always remember to keep this community in my prayers.”

If anyone feels a call to a specific vocation, Nathan would encourage them to explore that calling more.“You don’t need to answer it the moment you hear the calling, for the Father is simply asking you to deepen your

relationship with Him and more perfectly align your will with His,” Nathan says. “Pray for me and all the others who are discerning vocations here and across the world.”

Nathan Frankart hiking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

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There is something about the month of August that is glo-rious. Summer is still in full

force — the lazy, hazy days are with us, and some still have vacations on the horizon. And yet back-to-school preparations and a return to the busy-ness of life are just around the corner.

We are at that point in the year when some things are coming to an end and other things are beginning all at once. However, isn’t that the way it always is? The Russian playwright and short story writer Anton Chek-hov once said, “People don’t notice whether it is winter or summer when they are happy.” There is certainly truth to that statement. You might say it is a stewardship statement.

You may be wondering how to make a connection between Chek-hov’s quote and stewardship. But the connection is found quite simply in the word “happy.” I once heard someone say in a presentation about stewardship that people who live stewardship as a way of life are al-most always happy. And there is a reason for that.

Stewardship is a positive way to live. It means being grateful and

centering our thoughts on gratitude. In other words, our focus is on the good things in life, not on the bad. This does not mean we have perfect health or that all is ideal in our fami-ly, that we always sleep well at night, or that we enjoy everything that hap-pens to us or around us.

However, it does mean that when the good happens, we thank God. We recognize that good and are filled with a sense of joy and gratitude.

You and I know people like that, don’t we? We know people who al-ways seem filled with joy, regardless

of what may be happening to them or around them personally. To me, these kinds of people are stewardship peo-ple — the kind of people we all need to strive to be.

No doubt you have heard that living a life of stewardship means living with an “attitude of gratitude.” That is not easy, for you or for me. But it is certainly worth striving for, with God’s grace.

As we watch our summer season finish and the busier time of year be-gin, let us concentrate on how God has blessed us. If we do that, I truly believe that we can be those people Chekhov described. If we are happy, it will not matter what time of year it is.

I am grateful for you, for your support, your prayers and — most of all — your presence in my life. Thank you and may God continue to bless us all.

Gratefully in Christ,

Fr. Timothy J. O’Connor, Pastor

A Letter from Our Pastor

As We Begin a Busy Time of Year, Let Us Concentrate on Our Blessings

Dear Members of St. Joseph and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parishes,

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A Peaceful Place for Prayer:Among the many symbols of hope and faith out

there, a blooming garden is perhaps one of the most poignant. Jesus Himself turned to this imag-

ery in various parables describing faith — for instance, Matthew 13, Mark 4 and Luke 8. Indeed, one may plant the smallest of seeds, and over time, with a constant de-votion to their care and nourishment, they will produce a heavenly sanctuary of color and beauty. At Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we are blessed that the great

faith of our parishioners has allowed for the creation of a beautiful Serenity Garden on our church grounds.

In many ways, the first “seed” for our Serenity Garden proj-ect was planted almost two years ago, when a member of the Altar and Rosary Society put forth the idea for an outdoor medi-tative space at the parish. Less than a year later, the Altar and Rosary Society decided it was time to make that vision a reality!

The project was a natural fit for Carol Zellmer, who has volunteered her time to take care of our church landscaping

The Serenity Garden at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is located just outside the adoration chapel.

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The Serenity Garden at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

for 20 years. Carol finds that extending the church environ-ment to the outdoors makes parishioners and visitors to Na-tivity feel more at home.

“I really, really like to beautify the outside of the church,” she says. “To me, the parish is my home, and you do land-scaping in your home because you want people to come in and feel welcome. People say our [church grounds] are very warm — when you walk up, there are flowers and it looks welcoming, and I think that’s a very important thing.”

With the idea of creating a prayerful outdoor space for our parish, Carol met with professional landscapers and came up with a plan for the garden and a budget of $14,000. Fr. Tim approved the project and encouraged Carol to seek the support of parishioners. Soon, through the incredible generosity of our parishioners, she had not only raised the necessary funds, but had also received donations of every-thing from dirt and concrete to excavating machines!

Today, the Serenity Garden provides visitors with a tranquil spot on the side of the church, with a paved area for walking, a bench (with another to be added soon), and statues of the Blessed Mother and St. Francis. The shrubs were specially chosen to ensure that there is something for every season, and Carol will soon plant annuals as well.

A lot of thought was put into the location of the garden, and Carol hopes that many parishioners from both Nativity and St. Joseph will come enjoy this meditative space.

“It’s right outside our adoration chapel door,” she says. “And we would really like people, if they come just a little before their adoration hour or stay a little bit

after, just to sit outside if the weather is nice. Parishio-ners were a part of it and helped create it, and I’m hop-ing they will come and just meditate and reflect.”

In addition to helping with landscaping the church grounds and participating with the Altar and Rosary Soci-ety, Carol is also an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Com-munion, a member of Nativity Parish Pastoral Council and volunteers at Catholic Charities.

“When I do these kinds of things, I feel closer to God and am comforted,” she says. “Helping people is impor-tant, too, and sharing.”

Moving forward, Carol is hoping to continue mak-ing small additions and improvements to the Serenity Garden and landscaping. Right now, she is watering the plants every other day, but would love to see a sprinkler system installed. She would also like to be able to in-clude more lighting in the shrubbery around the garden, and to be able to add flowers from year to year.

These days, you may often find Carol sitting on the garden bench at noon, listening to the sound of the church bells and contemplating the great gift we have in our pa-rishioners. With their generosity, she is sure that the garden will continue to flourish and provide a peaceful place of prayer for many.

“I’m so appreciative of how amazing it was that ev-eryone stepped up to help make this happen,” she says. “It was really through the kindness of the parishioners we were able to do this — it really was not my project, but a true parish project!”

“It’s right outside our adoration chapel door. And we would really like people, if they come just a little before their adoration hour or stay a little bit after, just to sit outside if the weather is nice.

Parishioners were a part of it and helped create it, and I’m hoping they will come and just meditate and reflect.” — Carol Zellmer

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A Busy Summer for OurFor our young parishioners in the Immersion Youth Group, summer 2018 has been a busy time of faith, fellowship, service and fun. We hope all of our parish youth have a wonderful rest of the summer,

and have a great start to the upcoming school year!

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Immersion Youth Group

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Pre-Baptism Program Helping Parents Become their Child’s First Teachers

There is something magical about a warm welcome. Whether it’s being welcomed home after a long journey or being embraced by a new community of

friends, that feeling of genuine love and acceptance gives us a palpable glimpse of what our reunion with Jesus in Heaven might feel like some day.

For new Catholics, the Church provides a warm wel-come in the Sacrament of Baptism and as a tradition in the Church, infant Baptism is a practice that dates to the earliest of Christians. In the Book of Matthew, we see Jesus welcoming the youngest of children to Him, say-ing “the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).

To help parents get ready to welcome their family’s new-est member into the Church, St. Joseph and Nativity of the BVM partner with St. Vincent de Paul in Elyria and St. Peter in Lorain in offering the Pre-Baptism Program. “We rotate the location of the class each month and at St. Joe’s, it’s held about four times per year,” says Director of Religious Edu-cation Carol Wallington.

“These monthly classes are for parents who have called to schedule Baptisms for their children, to help familiarize them with the Rite of Baptism, and offer guidance as they prepare for their child to receive the sacrament,” says Carol. During class, parents go over the meaning behind each part of the sacrament, discuss the responsibility of the decision to raise their child as a Catholic, and receive guidance on choosing a Godparent. The Godparent must be registered and a participating parishioner at least 16 years of age, and actively practicing our Catholic faith. The Godparent must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation, and if married, in a valid marriage in the eyes of the Church.

Carol says the primary goal of the Pre-Baptism Program is to make sure parents understand that they are the primary religious teaches of their children. “They are the first educa-tors of their children in the faith,” she says.

Families who attend the class are not obligated to take it again if another little one joins their family within three years. However, if more than three years have passed since their other child’s Baptism, parents might be required to attend a refresher course.

“I hope the class helps parents get a deeper understand-ing of Baptism that helps them grasp the beauty of the rite and the tradition,” Carol says.

If you would like more information on the Pre-Baptism Program, or to schedule your child for his or her Baptism, contact the parish at 440-988-2848 or DRE@StJosephAmherst.com.

Jason Hardwick, Adam Ausperk, Jennifer Jackson-Ausperk, Kelly Hardwick, and Brooklyn and Baby Aaron Hardwick

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Funeral Luncheon Ministry Sharing God’sLoveDuringaDifficultTime

Since its inception in early 2017, our Funeral Luncheon Ministry has helped make a difficult time less

stressful for grieving members of our par-ish community who have lost a loved one.

“We are all men and women who have experienced God’s love, and there’s nothing better than to share it,” says Helen Cough-lin, Chair of the Funeral Luncheon Ministry. “That’s what motivates us — we want to share the love God gives to us.”

Although Helen has not kept a tally of the number of funerals served by the ministry, the numbers served during the funeral luncheons has ranged from as many as 300 to a group of 25. “It varies with each family,” Helen says.

The Funeral Luncheon Ministry prepares for a luncheon when Sr. Stefana, our pastoral care minister, has spoken with the bereaved family about their wishes and notifies Helen. The family receives a listing of caterers available and makes their choice for the luncheon. The Funeral Luncheon Minis-try team leaders — there are two sets — then begin contact-ing their volunteers to set up the room, receive the food from the caterers, serve the food and clean up.

“They are amazing and organized,” Helen says of the team leaders. “They call in the number of people who are needed. Things go so well. They really do a tremendous job.”

The ministry volunteers are mainly retirees and se-niors in the parish who are able to respond on short notice when a luncheon is scheduled.

“Our volunteers are amazing,” Helen says. “To be ready on short notice is incredible. Most of the volunteers are old-er, and they come in to serve the luncheon. They are always ready and willing to help. I’m just in awe at the volunteers!”

There are about 75 volunteers in the ministry to serve the luncheon, and nearly the same number in the bakers

committee who provide desserts. There are additional volunteers who provide side dishes.

“There are well over 100 in the entire group,” Helen says.

As the group has worked together in the past year and a half, the process has grown smoother as everyone has become familiar with the facilities and the procedures.

“We have learned to be flexible,” Helen says. “Each family is different and each situation is unique, but we know we want to help.”

These willing volunteers have all shared in the loss of a loved one and give freely of their time, talents and love to help fellow parishioners during a time of grief.

“We know the families are in need,” Helen says. “We know loss and to have the support behind you to go through a funeral is such a help.”

The families receiving the care from the Funeral Lun-cheon Ministry voice their gratitude.

“They express their appreciation so deeply,” Helen says. “This makes our volunteers want to come back to continue to serve. This is the only ministry where you get immediate response to your work, and we’re not looking for that. But it is such a good feeling to know you are helping someone in such an intimate way. Our volunteers want to be there to help as often as possible.”

In looking back at the formation of the ministry in early 2017, Helen acknowledges the work of an earlier luncheon committee, whose several members are still volunteering.

“They had a committee who did all the cooking,” she says. “Today, that would be difficult to do. I admire what they were able to do, but with the availability of the caterers, that does make it easier for the families and volunteers. The families are always very grateful.”

Volunteers in our Funeral Luncheon Ministry are ready to serve guests in our social hall.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering for the ministry may contact Helen Coughlin at 440-984-8758, or the parish office at 440-988-2848.

There also will be an opportunity to volunteer during the Ministry Fair in October.

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This newsletter brought to you by the Catholic Communities of:

Fr. Tim O’Connor Serving Both Parishes

Mass:Monday, 9:00 a.m. - St. JosephTuesday, 8:00 a.m. - Nativity of the BVMThursday, 7:00 p.m. - St. JosephFriday, 9:00 a.m. - St. JosephSaturday, 4:00 p.m. - St. Joseph 5:30 p.m. - Nativity of the BVMSunday, 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. - St. Joseph

Confession at St. Joseph:Thursday - Individual Reconciliation 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Saturday - Individual Reconciliation 11:00 a.m. - noon

Eucharistic Adoration (Chapel) at Nativity of the BVM:Monday-Friday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Upcoming Activities and EventsFirst Saturday Rosary Saturday, Aug. 4, at 9 a.m., St. Joseph Chapel

Hospitality Sunday Sunday, Aug. 5, following the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses in St. Joseph Social Hall

Men’s Fellowship Evening — “Journey”Wednesday, Aug. 8, at 7 p.m. in St. Joseph Social Hall

Feast of the Assumption — Holy Day of Obligation Wednesday, Aug. 15 12 Noon Mass at Nativity B.V.M. 7 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph

“Wonderful Women” — Women’s Fellowship Monday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. in St. Joseph Social Hall, South

Nativity B.V.M. Polka Mass and Picnic Saturday, Aug. 25 — 5 p.m. Polka Mass Followed by the Picnic — All are invited.

St. Joseph Parish School Walk-Thru Sunday, Aug. 26 after the 8:30 a.m. Mass till 1 p.m. All are welcome.

St. Joseph Parish School First Day Schedules: Monday, Aug. 27 — Grades 1-8 at 7:30 a.m. Kindergarten Students – Last Name Starting With A-L at 7:30 a.m.Tuesday, Aug. 28 — Kindergarten Students – Last Name Starting With M-Z at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29 — Kindergarten Students – Last Name Starting With A-Z at 7:30 a.m.